Free Evaluation System Framework (Freva) - New Features and Development

Abstract

<p>The Free Evaluation System Framework (Freva - freva.met.fu-berlin.de , xces.dkrz.de , www-regiklim.dkrz.de - https://github.com/FREVA-CLINT/Freva) is a software infrastructure for standardized data and tool solutions in Earth system science. Freva runs on high performance computers (HPC) to handle customizable evaluation systems of research projects, institutes or universities. It combines different software technologies into one common hybrid infrastructure, where all its features are accessible via shell and web environment. Freva indexes different data projects into one common search environment by storing the metadata information of the self-describing model, reanalysis and observational data sets in a database. The database interface satisfies the international standards provided by the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF). This implemented metadata system with its advanced but easy-to-handle search tool supports users, developers and their plugins to retrieve the required information. A generic application programming interface (API) allows scientific developers to connect their analysis tools with the evaluation system independently of the programming language used. Facilitation of the provision and usage of tools and climate data automatically increases the number of scientists working with the data sets and identifying discrepancies. Plugins are also able to integrate their e.g. post-processed results into the database of the user. This allows e.g. post-processing plugins to feed statistical analysis plugins, which fosters an active exchange between plugin developers of a research project. Additionally, the history and configuration sub-system stores every analysis performed with the evaluation system in a database. Configurations and results of the tools can be shared among scientists via shell or web system. Therefore, plugged-in tools benefit from transparency and reproducibility. Furthermore, the system suggests existing results already produced by other users &#8211; saving CPU hours, I/O, disk space and time. An integrated web shell (shellinabox) adds a degree of freedom in the choice of the working environment and can be used as a gate to the research projects on a HPC. Freva efficiently frames the interaction between different technologies thus improving the Earth system modeling science. New Features and aspects of further development and collaboration are discussed.</p>